Djokovic greets Shanghai fans; Alcaraz's title joy, Swiatek and Sinner celebrates latest wins

Djokovic Returns: Former World No. 1 begins practice at Shanghai Masters

Novak Djokovic is preparing for his return to the court and has already had his first day at the Shanghai Masters. He has won this tournament four times (2012, 2013, 2015, 2018) and is defending the final he reached in 2024, where he lost to Jannik Sinner. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is always a favorite in Asia and was received en masse by fans during a day where he had his first practice session and posed for several photos and videos on social media.

The former World No. 1 will return to the court for his first tournament after the US Open, as his season begins to wind down with no Grand Slam tournaments remaining. The Serb still has the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals ahead, although his presence there remains to be seen, considering that Djokovic himself has stated that his only goals at this stage of his career are the Grand Slams and the Davis Cup with Serbia.

Japan Open champion Alcaraz shares behind-the-scenes fun

Carlos Alcaraz celebrated his title victory at the Japan Open this Tuesday after defeating Taylor Fritz in the final, 6-1, 6-1. The World No. 1 had another remarkable week and extended his winning streak, claiming his third title in a row and 8th of the season. Alcaraz had a fun moment after the awards ceremony, where he posed with the Japanese ball kids. The World No. 1 also shared several photos on social media celebrating his title.

Alcaraz also recently announced he will not be present in Shanghai and will take time off the court to recover from an injury. He has thus concluded his Asian Swing with just one tournament and has traveled back to Europe to take a few weeks off, preparing for his return, likely at the Paris Masters, followed by the ATP Finals and Davis Cup Finals as his final challenges of the season.

Raducanu shares Asia tour photo dump

Emma Raducanu shared a series of photos from her time in Asia. The former US Open champion had a good opening victory at the China Open against Cristina Bucsa, but was defeated by World No. 5 Jessica Pegula in the Round of 32. In that match, the Brit squandered three match points and watched as Pegula mounted a remarkable comeback, including a bagel in the final set, winning 3-6, 7-6(11-9), 6-0.

Raducanu's long Asian tour is not over yet, as she still has three tournaments remaining: next week she will compete in the last WTA 1000 of the year, the Wuhan Open, while she has also obtained wildcards for the following weeks at the Ningbo Open and the Tokyo Open, where she is expected to conclude her season.

Raducanu's photos also drew a response from her Spanish colleague, Paula Badosa, showing their good relationship off the court. "Such a cutie❤️ pd: thanks for listening to me "

Italian double delight: Sinner reaches final as Paolini powers to quarterfinals

Italians are smiling in Beijing after Jannik Sinner reached the China Open final for the third consecutive time, comfortably defeating Alex de Miñaur in three sets. The World No. 2 will fight for the title in his 9th consecutive final on hardcourt tournaments, facing American teenager Learner Tien, who benefited from Daniil Medvedev's retirement in the semifinals. Sinner will take the court this Wednesday in search of the title.

On the women's side, Italians have also had a positive representation with World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini already installed in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The 29-year-old player has registered straight-sets victories over Anastasia Sevastova, Sofia Kenin (27th), and Marie Bouzková, securing her place in the quarterfinals. The Italian will face the third seed, Amanda Anisimova, this Thursday in search of a spot among the top four players in the tournament.